Heart valve surgery
Alternate Names : Valve replacement, Valve repair, Heart valve prosthesis
Pictures & Images
Heart valve surgery - series
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Normal anatomy
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Indications
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Procedure, part 1
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Procedure, part 2
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Procedure, part 3
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Aftercare
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Heart valve surgery - series Procedure, part 2
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Valves may be repaired or replaced. Replacement heart valves are either natural (biologic) or artificial (mechanical). Natural valves are from human donors (cadavers), modified natural valves are from animal donors (porcine: pigs) which are placed in synthetic rings, and artificial valves are made of metal or plastic. Natural valves rarely require life-long medication to prevent blood clot formation (anticoagulation), whereas artificial valves will require anticoagulation. The advantage of mechanical valves is that they last longer-thus, the tradeoff of lifelong anticoagulation in some cases is worth it to avoid a second valve replacement surgery.
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